Introducing BioForming® process technology

The demonstration plant has been running for over 30,000 operating hours

We've engineered and synthesised aromatic kerosene (SAK) to have no naphthalenes, providing low particle matter (PM) emissions

What is the BioForming S2A process technology?

The BioForming® S2A (sugars to aromatics) process uses sugars from renewable feedstocks such as corn and sugar cane to create 100% sustainable fuels and chemicals, cutting greenhouse gas emissions up to 80%. The carbon intensity of the BioForm® gasoline will depend on site and project factors and is anticipated to provide a greater than 50% reduction when compared to petroleum, with additional opportunities to achieve a net-zero carbon intensity or lower.

These low carbon products can be processed in existing refining and petrochemical infrastructure, making them drop-in replacements for petroleum-based products. The main fuel products are renewable gasoline and SAK jet fuel. The primary chemical products are bio-paraxylene (to produce bio-polyester) and bio-benzene (to produce a variety of benzene derivative products).

Working together

Teams from across JM are working with Virent, the original inventors of the technology, to develop and optimise the process and catalysts that underpin the BioForming S2A technology. This will maximise performance and yields to enable commercialisation at scale.

A commercial focus

The JM and Virent teams keep it simple by focusing on the viability of the core technology. They have the confidence to reach ambitious product performance targets. Costs have been reduced as the process has become more scalable. The technology is now ready for commercialisation with JM together with Virent able to licence this technology so customers in the chemical and energy markets can move towards renewable feedstocks.

The real-world impact

The BioForming S2A technology will help meet the world's growing demand for sustainable products. SAK jet fuel provides the blending components to enable a 100% drop-in SAF that is both cleaner burning and compatible with current jet engines and fueling infrastructure.

In 2021, in a world-first, a United Airlines aircraft flew passengers from Chicago to Washington DC, with one of its two engines powered by 100% drop-in sustainable aviation fuel, demonstrating the ability of SAK to enable 100% drop-in SAF. And the demand for lower-carbon intensity fuels will continue to increase. The BioForming S2A process can also be applied to aromatic chemicals such as paraxylene and benzene to produce renewable plastics. This includes PET plastic used to make Coca-Cola's first 100% plant-based plastic Coke bottle.